USC freshman pulled gun on another student, officials say

A USC freshman was arrested after allegedly pointing a gun at another student in a campus dorm earlier this month, according to the school’s Department of Public Safety.

Sheriff’s records show that Sufian Khmous, 18, was booked last Tuesday morning on suspicion of a felony after being detained by USC authorities. He was released on $30,000 bail that evening.

A residential advisor at the Parkside International Residential College reported on April 14 that a student pulled a gun on another student, said DPS Assistant Chief David Carlisle.

The resident was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, Carlisle said, adding that the Los Angeles Police Department recovered a hand gun from a safe in his dorm, as well as a loaded magazine in his car.

DPS logs show that the alleged incident occurred on the afternoon of April 11, more than three days prior to Khmous’ arrest. When asked about the discrepancy, a USC spokesperson said students in the dorm didn’t report the incident until 72 hours after it happened.

“Once the RAs were aware, process was followed beginning with the immediate notification of DPS,” the spokesperson wrote.

Khmous did not respond to multiple requests for comment, and Morning, Trojan was unable to identify his attorney. The LAPD didn’t respond to inquires, either.

The LA County District Attorney has no immediate plans to file charges, a spokesperson said.

“A case has not been presented to our office for filing consideration,” the spokesperson wrote.

USC’s housing contract prohibits the possession of firearms in dorms. Students who violate the policy are “subject to immediate eviction.”

Khmous is a legal studies major with a minor in dance, according to the USC student directory. A LinkedIn profile that matches Khmous’ name and biographical details notes that he’s a first-year undergraduate on the dean’s list.

The pre-law major manages a scholarship program at a Kansas law firm, the profile says. He’s also a part-time ballet instructor and “finance operator” at an IHOP restaurant in the same state.

Khmous appeared to take down the LinkedIn profile after publication of this report.

Photos and videos on Khmous’ Instagram story highlights from February, which are also now private, show him shooting firearms at a gun range with a friend.

“First time shooting an AR and lowkey kind of goated,” Khmous wrote, referring to an AR-15 assault rifle.

His next court date is May 6.

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly reported that the alleged incident occurred last Monday. Rather, the incident occurred on April 11, and was not reported until last Monday evening.

Tomo Chien can be reached at [email protected].